ICD-10 Code J69.0 – Pneumonitis due to inhalation of food and vomit (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J69.0 – Pneumonitis due to inhalation of food and vomit
What it is
J69.0 identifies pneumonitis caused by inhaling food, vomit, or similar gastric material into the lungs. It reflects an inflammatory lung injury from aspiration, not routine pneumonia.
Clinical signs
Common findings include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest discomfort after a choking or vomiting episode. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for aspiration evidence and the provider’s diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use J69.0 when the record states aspiration of food or vomit with resulting pneumonitis, aspiration pneumonitis, or chemical lung injury from gastric contents. Code it when the provider links the respiratory condition to the aspiration event. Check documentation if the note only says “aspiration” without lung involvement.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for aspiration pneumonia unless the provider documents pneumonitis specifically. Do not use it for swallowing difficulty or vomiting alone without respiratory injury.
Coding tip
Assign J69.0 only when the documentation clearly connects inhaled food or vomit to pneumonitis.